Hello this is my first post. I own a 1972 Cutlass S 455 and I'm trying to get a good idea of what type of cam lift to put in it. It's got an 8.5:1 CR and 3.23 in the rear. I know its really chiché, but I love the lopey idle and the vintage roar I imagine too high a lift with near stock measurements wouldn`t be a good idea. Is there a way to get a medium with the lopey idle as well as a lift that's not too high?

 

I already have flowtech headers and a magnaflow x-pipe dual exhaust. I was also wondering about a performer intake, what the pros and cons would be?

 

.500ish lift is normally safe with stock components.
Lift has little to nothing to do with lope, that's determined by cylinder pressure in relation to duration and/or overlap.

 

OK thanks for the advice. What would I need to get the rough idle?

 

Imo put a Performer on it and I'll grind you a cam that will give you what you want.

 

If you want classic, Comp Cams offers the W31 cam (308 deg) which was also used in the non air conditioned 68 Hurst Olds.

 

Is this something I could place an order in for?

 

I still wouldn't be sure exactly... 8.5:1 CR, 2 1/2in. x-pipe exhaust, 3.23 in the rear, edelbrock dual-plane intake # EDL-2151, and flowtech headers # FLT31154. I would trust your judgement more so than mine for cam lift size, what would you recommend?

 

I know you want to hear it but with only 8.5 and a 3.23 gear we have to be careful with too much duration. Otherwise it'll be a pig.

Probably something like a 224/229 on a 108, lift would be around .510. The short split in duration should give good low end and the tight lobe sep should help get you some lope. Much bigger than that and you'll lose too much cylinder pressure.

Cam and lifters are $255.00 shipped anywhere in the U.S. What do you have for springs?

 

I live in Canada, so shipping may be a bit more. It always seems to be when I order from the states. I can't be sure what i have for springs but ill be buying new ones along with the cam anyway I imagine. As long as .510 wouldn't be too big and damage the motor, that sounds good.

 

Also I imagine I'll need a stove pipe especially with the headers I'm installing, correct?

 

Lift will be .504/.512. Give me your address, I'll get you an exact cost.
Springs are normally about $80.00 but I'll need an installed height first.
You can email me directly at
fastone01@hotmail.com

Thanks

 

I'm not exactly sure what my installed height is. How would I find that out?